How Abel Churr bought a Secret.
That was a bitter as well as a momentous day for Gil Carr. In the course of the morning he made his way to the Pool-house, determined to have a few words with Jeremiah Cobbe, and to talk calmly to him concerning Mace and the future. He felt, too, that a little sympathy was due to the founder after the late accident at his works.
He went straight to the house, for he had taken Mace’s words to heart, that he should go boldly to the place; but, on entering, he was only met by Janet, who came after he had walked in according to old familiar custom, and rapped loudly at an inner door.
Janet came down, looking red-faced and guilty, from one of the upper chambers.
“Why, Janet,” he said, “the house is as quiet as if all were dead. Where have you been, lass? Why, that’s thy mistress’s kerchief on thy head!”
The girl snatched it off, looking redder and more guilty than before, and hid it behind her.
“I’d wager, Janet, that thou hast been upstairs trying on thy mistress’s finery. I’ll tell her so.”
“Nay, pray, Captain Gilbert,” she cried, excitedly, “you would not make mischief between us. I did but—”
“That’s confession enough,” said Gil, laughing. “Now, tell me where is thy master?”
“Down at the furnace-house, seeing to its being new-roofed, sir,” replied the girl.